By Kabuye Ronald
Former Gomba District Chairperson and once a key figure in the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), Hajji Abdul Kyabanji, has officially crossed over to the Democratic Front (DF). He was this week nominated by the Democratic Front Electoral Commission to contest for the Gomba District Chairperson seat on the party’s ticket.
Widely known in Gomba as “Ka Museveni Akato” (the Young Museveni), Hajji Kyabanji’s defection marks a significant political shift in what has long been considered an NRM stronghold.
While submitting his expression of interest forms to the DF Electoral Commission, chaired by Mr. Henry Lubowa, Kyabanji stated that his departure from the NRM was prompted by ongoing undemocratic practices within the party. These, he said, include rampant vote rigging, monetization of politics, and the suppression of dissenting voices.
“I could no longer associate myself with a party that undermines democracy and the will of the people,” Kyabanji remarked.
Kyabanji, who served as Gomba District Chairperson from 2011 to 2016, claimed that in every NRM primary election he contested, his victories were undermined by individuals with money and military influence.
Vowing to bring change, Kyabanji pledged to mobilize support across Gomba District to shift political allegiance from the NRM to the Democratic Front. He further promised to support and promote DF candidates at all levels to ensure the party secures key leadership positions within the district.
In addition to Kyabanji’s nomination, the Democratic Front Electoral Commission has also cleared Dr. Elaija Yiga to contest for the Gomba East parliamentary seat, among other candidates.
Hon. Juliet Kakande, Masaka City Woman MP and head of the Democratic Front Women’s League, praised Kyabanji for his courage and commitment to democratic values, describing his decision to join DF as a bold and commendable move.
As of today, over 150 candidates have submitted their expression of interest forms to the Democratic Front Electoral Commission since the nomination exercise began.
